Yesterday, the Glasgow-based Sunday Herald became the first UK newspaper to name the footballer at the centre of the gagging row, claiming the injunction covering the identity of the footballer does not appear to apply to Scottish newspapers.

A Sun spokesman is quoted on the website as saying:

Following publication on the front page of a Scottish newspaper it is clear this injunction is unworkable.

When the Prime Minister says on breakfast television that he knows the identity of the footballer, it is time for the courts to do the right thing and end a situation where readers of some newspapers but not others are allowed to know the worst kept secret in the country.

We have asked our lawyers to make an application at the High Court and await the outcome with great interest.”